The reassuring figures
The first hours are crucial
Stay at the last place you saw your dog. Call it calmly. If you search frantically, you risk pushing it away. Many dogs come back on their own in the first 30 minutes.
Leave a worn garment (unwashed) and its water bowl at the last point of contact. Your scent is its natural GPS.
I-CAD (national file): 0810 778 778 or icad.fr. Report the loss so any veterinarian or pound that scans the chip can find you. Then: city hall, police, local pound.
Facebook groups "lost dog" + department. Pet Alert France. Recent photo + location + phone number. The faster the spread, the higher the chances.
Prevention: 5 essential tools
Prepare with our essential equipment guide (tag, GPS). In case of injury after an escape, consult our first aid guide. And check your insurance — some cover search costs.
Frequently asked questions
My dog isn't microchipped, what should I do?
The chip is mandatory in France for all dogs over 4 months old (law of January 6, 1999). If your dog isn't microchipped, have it identified by a veterinarian before any trip. Cost: 60-80 €. Without a chip, a found dog is considered stray and can be placed in a pound.
Does the GPS tracker work in the mountains?
Classic GPS trackers (Tractive, Weenect) work anywhere there's mobile network coverage (3G/4G). In isolated mountains, coverage may be limited. The tracker records the last known position. For dead zones, an AirTag or Samsung SmartTag can complement through crowd-sourced Bluetooth network.
